Giving a ring without knowing the size is the puzzle of every surprise. Asking outright would spoil the effect. Guessing at random may disappoint. Yet several methods let you find out a ring size in complete discretion. You just need to know which ones are reliable, and which lead to mistakes.
Why ring size matters so much
First, a ring that is too big turns, slips, and ends up lost. Conversely, a ring that is too small pinches and stays at the bottom of a drawer. A made-to-measure ring is made for one precise finger. With us, each piece is shaped to the requested size: that is why we do not offer returns. The right size is therefore part of the gift.
Marie, for example, received the relief of the Piton des Neiges from her grown-up children.
“A perfect fit, it draws a lot of interest and curiosity.”
Marie
How a ring size is read
In France, as set out in the ISO 8653 standard, a ring size corresponds to the circumference of the finger, in millimetres. So a size 54 measures 54 mm around. To go from the inside diameter to the finger circumference, simply multiply the diameter by 3.14.
| French size | Finger circumference | Inside diameter | UK / US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 mm | 15.9 mm | J½ / 5¼ |
| 52 | 52 mm | 16.6 mm | L / 6 |
| 54 | 54 mm | 17.2 mm | N / 6¾ |
| 56 | 56 mm | 17.8 mm | O½ / 7½ |
| 58 | 58 mm | 18.5 mm | Q / 8¼ |
| 60 | 60 mm | 19.1 mm | R½ / 9 |
| 62 | 62 mm | 19.7 mm | T / 10 |
| 64 | 64 mm | 20.4 mm | U½ / 10¾ |
This chart lists the most common sizes. Our size guide gives them all, from 40 to 75, and works out yours from your measurement.
Method 1: borrow one of their rings
This is the safest method. First, discreetly borrow a ring he or she wears often. Then measure its inside diameter with a ruler. Finally, look up that measurement in the chart above.
No time to measure it? Trace the inside of the band on a sheet of paper, or press the ring into a bar of soap to keep its imprint. Then check which finger it is worn on. The size changes from one finger to the next, and even from one hand to the other.
Method 2: use an app
Some mobile apps, such as Ring Size, estimate the size from an existing ring placed on the screen. They are handy for a first estimate. A jeweller, however, remains more precise.
Method 3: ask someone close
A friend, a sister or a parent may know their size. If not, they can find it out without raising suspicion, for instance by suggesting they try on a ring in a shop.
Method 4: the ribbon or strip of paper
Wrap a ribbon or a strip of paper around the finger, then mark the spot where it meets. Measure the length with a ruler: you get the finger circumference, hence the size. This method does require their cooperation… or a very deep sleep. Choose paper rather than string: string stretches and distorts the measurement.
The traps that distort the size
- The time of measurement: fingers swell with heat and at the end of the day. Measure at room temperature, preferably in the evening.
- The knuckle: the ring has to pass the knuckle, often wider than the base of the finger.
- The width of the band: the wider a band, the tighter it feels. A Wide ring (12 mm) does not wear like a Slim ring (5 mm). Talk to us before confirming.
- A ring from another finger: a ring worn on the index finger does not give you the size of the ring finger.
- Doubt between two sizes: ask us for advice rather than guessing.
The risk-free solution: the gift card
Would you rather take no risk at all? Then give the gift card. You choose the mountain and the width of the band. The person who receives it then creates their ring with us: they can change the relief or the shape, and give us their size at that point. The card also stays valid for one year.
And at Chaînon?
We can start your ring without knowing the size. First, we create the 3D preview from the chosen relief. We only ask for the size when production begins. So you have time to find it calmly. For any question, see our FAQ, write to us or send us a message on Instagram.
Ready to give a mountain, even without knowing their size?